Late Rally Comes up Short in Greensboro Loss to Christopher Newport

After taking an early lead at Christopher Newport on Saturday, Greensboro College football team saw its fourth quarter rally come up short in a 22-16 setback.

Antwan Thorpe and The Pride struck first on a 13-yard scoring pass from Ryan Throndset just 5:30 into the game. Greensboro took advantage of a Captain penalty on the ensuing extra point and converted a two-point conversion by Warren Scott Jr. to take an 8-0 lead.

Christopher Newport responded with two scoring drives of its own in the first quarter to grab the lead at 13-8. The Captains added another touchdown with 6:51 remaining in the half on a one-yard touchdown plunge by Marcus Morrast to extend the margin to 19-8 going into the half.

Christopher Newport continued its momentum in the third quarter, tacking on a 39-yard field goal by Mason Studer to push the score to 22-8.

The Pride fought back with 1:10 left in the third quarter, as Cortez Vernon capped a ten play, 66-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Greensboro went for two following the score, as Throndset found Lorenzo Lesesene in the endzone to further narrow the deficit to 22-16.

The Pride moved the ball into Captain territory on its first possession of the fourth quarter, but came up empty on a fourth down conversion from the Christopher Newport 43-yard line.

Greensboro forced the Captains into a missed field goal attempt on the next drive, giving The Pride the ball at their own 19-yard line with 3:44 to go in the contest. Facing a third down and 13, Throndset connected with Dexter Russell Jr. for a 35-yard gain to the Christopher Newport 47-yard line.

However, two-plays later, Throndset was intercepted by Tyshawn Harris, allowing the Captains to run out the remaining 2:26 of the game.

Greensboro finished the game with 302 yards of total offense - with 221 yards through the air - while Christopher Newport put up a balanced attack of 318 total yards.

Throndset connected on 23-34 passing attempts for 221 yards and one score. Russell Jr. led all receivers with 87 yards on six catches while Thorpe had a game high ten catches for 83 yards. Scott Jr. paced the ground attack with 46 yards on 21 carries.

Defensively, Maury Spease and Julian Cinnotti tied for a team high ten tackles. The Pride recorded seven tackles for loss with Spease recording a 2.5. Travis Welch helped Greensboro record the lone turnover on a fumble recovery.

With the loss, The Pride drop to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the USA South. Greensboro will conclude the 2012 season on November 10 at home for Senior Day against LaGrange. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Grimsley High School.